During the Conference, Dr. Al Dahak presented the UAE's vision and ongoing efforts to combat drought, while exploring the role of innovative projects in enhancing global food and water security and addressing land degradation challenges.
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) has commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will run until December 13 under the theme “Our Land. Our Future”. The Conference aims to explore strategies for transforming land degradation into renewal.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) serves as the global platform for bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society to address challenges and collaboratively shape a sustainable future for land.
During the UAE’s participation in the Conference, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak took part in the ‘Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience; From Geneva to Riyadh and Beyond: Enhancing Global and National Policy Instruments for a Proactive Drought Management Approach’. In her address, she emphasised that considering the climate challenges confronting the world, drought remains a critical issue and a significant global concern.
Dr. Al Dahak said, “Effective drought management calls for a combination of proactive planning, innovative strategies, and collaborative efforts in water management and distribution. Adopting sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and climate-smart agriculture, is essential for improving water use efficiency and strengthening resilience to drought.”
She highlighted the UAE’sNational Strategy to Combat Desertification’ and it’s Water Security Strategy 2036, as well as the UAE’s contributions to enhancing global water security through initiatives such as the
Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
She also emphasised the significance of the UAE's role as the host of the upcoming UN Water Conference in 2026, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, which will serve as a pivotal platform to advance global efforts towards ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water for everyone.
During a session titled ‘Ministerial Dialogue on Finance: Unlocking Public and Private Finance for Land Restoration and Drought Resilience,’ Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the critical role of investing in sustainable land management and restoration as a fundamental driver for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
She said, “Land restoration efforts - especially for agriculture and food systems - are of profound importance and must be addressed to achieve our climate goals. It is imperative for governments and the private sector to scale investments in transforming agrifood systems by fostering more policies, initiatives and facilities that can support countries in land restoration and to deliver significant food and environmental benefits.”
Dr. Al Dahak reviewed the UAE's efforts in implementing projects aimed at enhancing land ecosystems such as ‘Sustainable Grazing Projects’, ‘Land Degradation Neutralisation Programme’, ‘Development of Gene Banks for Local Plants Contributing to Combating Desertification’, ‘Prediction and Early Warning Programmes for Sand and Dust Storms’, as well as two programmes focused on ‘Green Belts’ and ‘Urban Forest Management’. Additionally, the UAE is working on other projects supported by integrated financing mechanisms.
Dr. Al Dahak affirmed that through collaboration, the world aims to develop large-scale sustainable solutions for land protection and restoration by aligning financial incentives with environmental goals.
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